Teaching in Ontario

[nance65]

I am currently thinking about changing careers. I currently have a bachelor of commerce in HR but would like to start teaching. What schools and education do I need to start a teaching career. How long will it take? I would like to continue working and have a smooth career transition.[FONT=Arial]

[pitz]

If by 'teaching', you mean, in an elementary or secondary school, you generally need a Teachers Certificate issued by the Minister of Education.

To get one of those, usually the main requirement is a degree plus a formal practicum in a classroom supervised by a teacher.

To get into one of the practicum programs, usually the teachers' colleges require a number of pre-requisite courses, dealing with educational psychology, teaching methods, etc.

So in essence, I suspect that with a Bachelor of Commerce, you would probably need a good 3 years worth of schooling + practicum just to be eligible for a teachers' certificate.

So, not very easy. Best thing to do would probably to make an appointment with an intake counsellor at your college of choice, and discuss your situation.

[bmwmini]

If by 'teaching', you mean, in an elementary or secondary school, you generally need a Teachers Certificate issued by the Minister of Education.

To get one of those, usually the main requirement is a degree plus a formal practicum in a classroom supervised by a teacher.

To get into one of the practicum programs, usually the teachers' colleges require a number of pre-requisite courses, dealing with educational psychology, teaching methods, etc.

So in essence, I suspect that with a Bachelor of Commerce, you would probably need a good 3 years worth of schooling + practicum just to be eligible for a teachers' certificate.

So, not very easy. Best thing to do would probably to make an appointment with an intake counsellor at your college of choice, and discuss your situation.

WTF? As long as you have a degree in almost anything, just apply to teacher's college at Queens, uoft, the buffalo/niagara one, etc and all it takes is 1 year of the program and you're certified teacher in Ontario. As long as you're accepted into the program, you're set.

[Anteros]

Since you already have a degree, you can apply to any of the teachers colleges in Ontario. The popular ones (eg, UofT), especially at the Primary level, are very competitive so definitely apply to a number of different schools.

At this point, it is too late to apply to these schools for this year, so you're looking at September 2007 before you start. You have to apply rather early for the teachers colleges, so make sure you check regularly starting early in 2007.

I don't know of any schools that allow you to do it part time while working, but maybe there are some. All of the ones I know of are full time for 8 months.

Good luck!

[UrbanPoet]

WTF? As long as you have a degree in almost anything, just apply to teacher's college at Queens, uoft, the buffalo/niagara one, etc and all it takes is 1 year of the program and you're certified teacher in Ontario. As long as you're accepted into the program, you're set.

yeah exactly.. if u wanna teach high school you gotta have courses in 2 "teachables". with a gpa of 75% or higher depending on what school.

[UrbanPoet]

Since you already have a degree, you can apply to any of the teachers colleges in Ontario. The popular ones (eg, UofT), especially at the Primary level, are very competitive so definitely apply to a number of different schools.

At this point, it is too late to apply to these schools for this year, so you're looking at September 2007 before you start. You have to apply rather early for the teachers colleges, so make sure you check regularly starting early in 2007.

I don't know of any schools that allow you to do it part time while working, but maybe there are some. All of the ones I know of are full time for 8 months.

Good luck!

york has a 3 yr part time program....
its always aheavy course load from what i hear. They recommend u not to work during this.

[nance65]

well, thank you for all the information. Any suggestions on schools? How is York?

[Bmp5]

Woah.Very informative.I know some Prof at YorkU that has only an undergad but they only work part time.

[maniacshopper]

Depends on what kind of school you want to teach?

High school? teaching cert @ UT will do.

Univerisity? Masters or Ph.D.

[amandathepilot]

My deadline for application was December 1st, and I just finished in May. You need to have your essays and such sent in to the schools by then as well. I did my degree at Ottawa U, so if you have anything you think I can help you with, let me know. :)

[sweetnlow]

FYI- schools will be looking at your experience. That is, do you have experience working with kids at the age level that you would like to teach? This could be as a tutor, camp counsellor. hospital volunteer, community volunteer etc. You need to be able to explain what you got out of those experiences. If you're degree is in Commerce and you want to teach high school, you'll likely end up in the Business Department - though a principal can ask you to teach anything, even if you are not technically qualified to teach it. Keep in mind, that French and Special Ed qualifications are especially valuable right now.

You might also want to think about your lifestyle. Teaching is no office job. You will be bringing work home, prepping and marking in the evenings and on weekends, and offering extra help or coaching or supervising some activity or detention, morning or after school. The actual "teaching" part takes the least amount of time. People often think of the summers off, but never think about the 20 hour days during the academic year, at least for the first few years until you get the hang of things.

Best of luck; teaching is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. If you have more specific questions, feel free to PM me.